Schnellenberger Still Perfect in Bowls

By BRETT MARTEL – 1 hour ago

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Howard Schnellenberger is still undefeated in bowl games, and now so is the fledgling college football program he built from nothing.

Rusty Smith threw for 336 yards and a New Orleans Bowl record five touchdowns to lead Florida Atlantic to a 44-27 victory over Memphis on Friday night.

It was the first bowl game for FAU, which has had a football team for only seven seasons and didn't join the NCAA's Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) until 2005.

The game also marked another meaningful step for the young Sun Belt Conference. The league champion has now won three of seven New Orleans Bowls, including the past two by convincing margins, with Troy beating Rice 41-17 last year.

It certainly wasn't the highest-profile bowl victory for Schnellenberger, who led Miami to the 1983 national championship with an Orange Bowl triumph over Nebraska. He is now 5-0 in bowl games over his 23 seasons as a head coach. He won the 1980 Peach Bowl with Miami and two bowl games with Louisville, the 1990 Fiesta Bowl and the 1993 Liberty Bowl.

Still, this one had to be special, given that he is the father of FAU's program and the only head coach the Owls have ever known. As the final minute ticked away, the 73-year-old's head of white hair and blue blazer were left drenched by a bucket of ice water his players dumped over him in celebration. But the old coach didn't even flinch.

Florida Atlantic started fast and never trailed. Smith had 102 yards passing and a pair of touchdown tosses in the first 10 minutes. His second, a short pass that Dilvory Edgecomb turned into a 29-yard score, gave FAU a 17-7 lead.

Edgecomb also set up FAU's first two scores with kickoff returns of 42 and 62 yards. He added a 4-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Memphis quarterback Martin Hankins helped the Tigers keep the game competitive into the second half, throwing for 283 yards and three touchdowns. The Tigers got as close as 30-27, but he left the game late in the third quarter with a right leg injury after getting tangled up in a heap of players after releasing a pass.

Reserve quarterbacks Will Hudgens and Matt Malouf finished the game for Memphis, which couldn't muster a significant threat in the final quarter.

Smith also had touchdown passes of 4 yards to Charles Pierre, 16 yards to Chris Bonner, 4 yards to Willie Rose and 16 yards to Jason Harmon.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5js4dTjkP6PYiVbEv3wij2l8kEwoAD8TM9G000

Law Enforcement Confident Body Found in Basement Crawlspace Missing MU Co-Ed

By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Writer

Huntington, WV (HNN) – The worst case scenario came true for the family and friends of 21-year-old Leah Hickman, a Marshall University student, who had last been seen about 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14. In fact, it took re-thinking by members of the law enforcement agencies to come to the discovery.

A young female believed to be Hickman, whose friends organized and orchestrated a nationwide search, was found in crawlspace adjacent to the basement laundry room of 403 Eighth Avenue. The woman’s body has not been positively identified “due to the positioning,” Detective Rocky Johnson said. Forensics personnel are still “processing the scene for evidence, however, the family has been notified.

Hickman’s sister, Jessica Vickers, said at a candlelight vigil Thursday, Dec. 20 that she had spoken to her while she was at the apartment doing dishes. Friends and family had indicated that Leah, a broadcast journalism major, had no plans for that Friday evening and had mentioned that perhaps she would do laundry.

The apartment structure which has been under renovation had only two of four properties rented. Law enforcement had previously searched the building and others in the neighborhood without any specific leads. Chief Holbrook said the agencies had been scratching their heads, but credited officers for not abandoning their instincts.

Since “this is the starting point, we go to where the evidence takes you,” Holbrook provided few specifics not wanting to jeopardize the investigation of the apparent homicide. However, at this time, the chief indicated that law enforcement have no suspects or persons of interest. He asked the media to continue to provide information “in a responsible manner” that will “generate information for us.”

Mayor David Felinton and Huntington City Council Chairman Scott Caserta met with Holbrook following the news conference.

A subdued Felinton stated, “the odds of something like that happening to someone compared to being struck by lightning, I do not know. It’s frightening , there’s no doubt about it. I just live three blocks over. I’m nor necessarily in any more fear than I was, but I certainly understand how people nearby may be and that’s natural.”

Caserta told HNN, “It’s time for Huntington and the community to come together in prayer for this family. Our hearts go out to them.”

When asked if the current lack of suspects or persons of interest had any similarities to the still unsolved after Prom slaughter on Charleston Avenue, Caserta explained, “It’s a totally different situation… like comparing apples to oranges.” Caserta added, “ I’m sure Chief Holbrook and the various agencies working with the H P D will stay on task and get the job done.”

New Orleans Bowl spread and line: Florida Atlantic vs. Memphis

The latest betting line and point spread on the New Orleans Bowl game Florida Atlantic vs. Memphis.

The college bowls are underway and on Friday is the New Orleans Bowl, which will matchup Florida Atlantic Owls (7-5) and Memphis Tigers (7-5). Lacking any other football games, the New Orleans Bowl quickly became the most bet on event today and we have the latest numbers and lines for you. At the online sportsbook Bodog Sports the point spread on the New Orleans Bowl game Florida Atlantic vs. Memphis is currently sitting at -3.5 points chalk the Owls with the total at 67 points. Florida Atlantic is also the odds favorite with line on winning the New Orleans Bowl posted at -160 and the line on Memphis sitting at +140. Keep in mind that Florida Atlantic is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games and Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games. Also, the total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida Atlantic's last 5 games. The 2007 New Orleans Bowl will start on Friday at 8:00pm EST from the Louisiana Superdome, watch it live on ESPN2.

http://www.ogpaper.com/news/news-01491.html

Inside Desperate Housewives: Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen

By AIMEE DEEKEN
TV GUIDE

In the last four years, Joy Lauren has had to contend with her mother's neuroses and alcoholism, her father's murder by poisoning, her manipulative brother's hit-and-run, a new stepdad with secrets of his own, a foolhardy decision to run away with a murderous neighborhood boy, an affair with her high-school history teacher and, most recently, teen pregnancy — courtesy of someone else's boyfriend. Truth be told, that's the life led by "little Miss Van de Tramp" aka Danielle, the daughter of Marcia Cross' Bree Hodge on Desperate Housewives (Sundays, 9 pm/ET, ABC). When the real Joy Lauren spoke to TVGuide.com about her two divergent lives, she was a sensible and courteous 18-year-old, clearly saving the adolescent dramatics for the screen.

TVGuide.com: I've really enjoyed watching you play a pregnant teenager and seeing how that's affected the relationship with your mom, Bree.
Joy Lauren: Thanks! It's been a really fun year.

TVGuide.com: You're the same age as your character Danielle, right?
Lauren: I am.

TVGuide.com: But I imagine your high-school years have been very different from hers, starting with the fact that you were acting and home-schooled.
Lauren: Yes, I was 14 when I [passed] the California high-school proficiency exam. But I continued taking some classes because I wanted to get a good education.

TVGuide.com: So what was it like playing a pregnant angst-ridden teen?
Lauren: Definitely something I've never experienced before — I'm not really angst-ridden and I'm not pregnant — so it was definitely a stretch for me to play! You know, I think that's one of the reasons I love acting: You can do and experience all sorts of things that you wouldn't normally.

TVGuide.com: There's always been so much tension and conflict between Danielle and Bree. Do you think that's a pretty typical, common mother/teen daughter relationship?
Lauren: I hope it's not common! It's definitely not my relationship with my mother at all. We're very close, and she's very supportive of me in every sense.

TVGuide.com: So you haven't had that desire to rebel?
Lauren: I don't at all actually, because she always gave me a really long leash. So I never had the desire to go out there and do anything crazy because she never told me I couldn't. It's like, you're a teenager, you need to experience things. But if you get into trouble, you're going to stay at home in your room for the rest of your life! If I messed up, she'd take that all away.

TVGuide.com: Like Bree shipping Danielle off to the convent. Do you think that Danielle has grown up a bit?
Lauren: She's definitely changed a lot, almost linearly. She has evolved, but I don't know if she's matured.

TVGuide.com: Bree and her stepdad did bribe her newborn son from her pretty easily — with a car and permission to attend college away from home.
Lauren: Yeah, she's grown in one sense, but not in the right sense.

TVGuide.com: Do you think she'll become a better person?
Lauren: Well, it's my hope that the baby will help her grow up a little bit and make her more responsible and aware of the world around her.

TVGuide.com: There were some really sweet moments between you and Bree in the Halloween episode. There was some growth there on both sides.
Lauren: Yeah, Bree softened a little bit.

TVGuide.com: Did you enjoy working with Marcia in that storyline?
Lauren: I always do. She's really an incredible woman and very warm and very giving, as an actress and as a person.

TVGuide.com: What's your character's relationship with her brother, Andrew (Shawn Pyfrom) these days? He used to the big troublemaker and now you're center stage!
Lauren: [Laughs] He's settling down a little bit just as I'm gettin' crazy! I feel like they're both very selfish beings and in their own little world, so they never really connected that much. It's fun to play mean and evil [toward each other] on TV. But Shawn and I are great friends and he's such an amazingly nice guy. He's like my older brother.

TVGuide.com: There are several other teenagers with you on the show — Shawn, Andrea Bowen (who plays Teri Hatcher's daughter, Julie), Cody Kasch (Zach Young), and now Lyndsy Fonseca (Dylan Mayfair). Some of them come and go, like Josh Henderson last year (Edie's impregnating nephew Austin). Do you guys ever hang out?
Lauren: You know, Josh I'll see out; we have mutual friends. Andrea and I, and Shawn and I, see each other a lot. Me, Andrea, Shawn and Cody have been there since the pilot so we all have a common bond. It's kind of special — we've all hit critical points in our lives while on the show. I've gone from 14 to 18, Shawn's gone from 17 to 21…. We've all grown up in this very different way and have gone through this together.

TVGuide.com: How many episodes are left due to the writers' strike?
Lauren: I believe two.

TVGuide.com: What can you tell me about the next episode? The previews say your baby causes some stress?
Lauren: Our writers are really incredible and they always come up with really fun stuff to watch, and this [between husband/wife Bree and Kyle MacLachlan's Orson Hodge] was one of my favorite moments of the show.

TVGuide.com: They're great comedic actors.
Lauren: Aren't they? Kyle's incredible. I mean he's such a cool guy and he's so funny on set. It makes it a really fun time.

TVGuide.com: What can you tell me about the Dec. 2 episode?
Lauren: There is a natural disaster, and it'll shake things up a little bit.

TVGuide.com: Will you be around?
Lauren: I'm at school. All the kids are conveniently away. [Laughs]

TVGuide.com: Ah, so will your character be coming home from college anytime soon?
Lauren: I certainly hope so. We haven't had much progress [because of the strike]. Of course I want to get back to work as soon as possible because I love what I do. But we're very supportive of the writers and feel like they need to take the time to get what they deserve. It's something they need to stand their ground on.

View the original article on TVGuide.com

Hasselhoff, Bach Settle Divorce Issues

LOS ANGELES (AP) — David Hasselhoff and ex-wife Pamela Bach have agreed on post-divorce terms that include joint custody of their teenage daughters, Hasselhoff's attorney confirmed Tuesday.

The former "Baywatch" star and Bach were divorced in August 2006 after more than 16 years of marriage. After months of negotiating custody and financial arrangements, a deal was struck Friday, according to attorney Melvin S. Goldsman.

"I'm pleased that everything has been resolved and I'm proud of my kids, who remain strong and have exhibited dignity during this very difficult time," Hasselhoff said in a statement released by his publicist. "We are all moving on."

Goldsman declined to spell out the terms of the settlement concerning Bach's request for more spousal and child support.

Improving relations between Hasselhoff, 55, and Bach, 44, led to the revised custody arrangements and his willingness to let her to stay in their San Fernando Valley home until it is sold, Goldsman said.

Under a June court order, Hasselhoff had sole custody of the couple's daughters, Taylor, 17, and Hayley, 15.

Lawyers for Bach weren't immediately available for comment, and a message left with her publicist Tuesday was not immediately returned.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j6imRtnuPkD8v4CBnecq3oHszZYQD8TK6U781

Jamie Lynn Spears Says She's Pregnant

NEW YORK (AP) — Another Spears baby is reportedly on the way — and it's not Britney's. Jamie Lynn Spears, the 16-year-old "Zoey 101" star and sister of Britney, told OK! magazine that she's pregnant and that the father is her boyfriend, Casey Aldridge.

"It was a shock for both of us, so unexpected," she said. "I was in complete and total shock and so was he."

Spears is 12 weeks along and initially kept the news to herself when she learned of the pregnancy from an at-home test and subsequent doctor visit, she told the celebrity magazine, which hits stands in New York on Wednesday and the rest of the country by Friday.

What message does she want to send to other teens about premarital sex? "I definitely don't think it's something you should do; it's better to wait," she told the magazine. "But I can't be judgmental because it's a position I put myself in."

After she found out from a doctor that she was pregnant, she said, "I took two weeks to myself where I didn't tell anybody."

"Only one of my friends knew because I needed to work out what I would do for myself before I let anyone's opinion affect my decision. Then I told my parents and my friends. I was scared, but I had to do what was right for me," she said.

Spears broke the news to her mother, Lynne, just before Thanksgiving, the magazine reported.

"She was very upset because it wasn't what she expected at all," Spears said. "A week after, she had time to cope with it and became very supportive."

Lynne Spears, already grandmother to Britney's young sons, told the magazine: "I didn't believe it because Jamie Lynn's always been so conscientious. She's never late for her curfew. I was in shock. I mean, this is my 16-year-old baby."

She said her actress daughter, the telegenic heroine of her popular Nickelodeon series, has known Aldridge for years and began dating him in high school.

But in a recent interview with The Associated Press, Spears said she had no steady boyfriend. "I kind of just keep my options open," she said. "I have a bunch of friends that I always hang out with, a bunch of guy friends." She declined to talk about her older sister.

Spears spoke to the AP shortly before Thanksgiving, the day she told OK! she informed her mother about the pregnancy.

Jamie Lynn plans to raise the baby in her home state of Louisiana — "so it can have a normal family life."

Nickelodeon released a statement: "We respect Jamie Lynn's decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn's well being."

A publicist for the network did not immediately respond to phone and e-mail requests for additional comment.

"Zoey 101" is scheduled to conclude its third season Jan. 4 with a cliffhanger episode in which Spears' character must decide whether to leave her fictional Pacific Coast Academy boarding school in California to join her parents in London.

The show is scheduled to resume in February, and its producer, Dan Schneider, has said filming on the fourth season has already been completed.

On the Net:

• OK! magazine: http://www.ok-magazine.com/

Sean Taylor makes Pro Bowl after being killed in house invasion

NEW YORK: Sean Taylor, who died Nov. 27 after being shot during a burglary at his Florida home, was voted to the NFC Pro Bowl team posthumously on Tuesday.

The Washington Redskins defensive back got a starting position on the team at free safety. He was having an outstanding season and was among the leaders in fan balloting for a team selected by a combination of fans, players and coaches.

Both conferences were dominated by players from the teams at the top of the standings.

Unbeaten New England had eight players voted to the AFC team, led by quarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Randy Moss. Dallas, tied for first place with Green Bay in the NFC, had 11, including quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Terrell Owens.

The Packers had four players on the team, including Brett Favre, who will start at quarterback for the NFC. It is the ninth Pro Bowl for the 38-year-old Favre, his first since 2003.

San Diego, like New England, had eight players chosen.

Taylor is the first player to make an all-star team posthumously in any sport since goaltender Pelle Lindbergh made the NHL All-Star game in February 1986. He had been killed in an auto accident in November, 1985 after playing eight games for the Philadelphia Flyers, for whom he had won the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goalie the previous season.

Before his death, Taylor was leading the NFL in interceptions with five.

One of those left off the team was Fred Taylor of Jacksonville, who has had four straight 100-yard rushing games. In fact, there are no Jaguars on the AFC team although they are 10-4 and on the verge of clinching a playoff spot.

Fred Taylor, who has rushed for 1,091 yards and has a 5.1-yard average per carry while splitting time with Maurice Jones-Drew, is the 18th leading rusher in NFL history, but has never been to the Pro Bowl. That makes him the only one of the top 43 rushers in history not to make it to the league's all-star game.

Fred Taylor anticipated that last week.

"Whatever happens, happens," he said. "They've got to tally up the votes, and however it comes out, I've got to live with it. I've always felt like I'm Pro Bowl-quality, so everything else doesn't matter."

The three backs chosen ahead of Fred Taylor were LaDainian Tomlinson of San Diego, Willie Parker of Pittsburgh and Joseph Addai of Indianapolis. Parker and Tomlinson have gained more yards than Taylor, but Parker is averaging 4.1 and Tomlinson, last season's league MVP, is averaging 4.7.

Addai, one of five Colts on the AFC squad, has 1,019 yards rushing, 72 yards fewer than Taylor and an average of 4.1 yards per carry, a full yard less than the 31-year-old Jacksonville star.

Three rookies made the NFC team: Adrian Peterson of the Vikings, third in the NFL with 1,278 yards rushing and first among regular backs with a 5.9 average; linebacker Patrick Willis of San Francisco; and Dallas placekicker Nick Folk.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/18/sports/FBN-Pro-Bowl.php

Judge in LA Orders $11M for Flatley

A woman who accused Michael Flatley of sexual assault has been ordered to pay him more than $11 million for making false allegations to extort money from him, according to documents obtained Monday.

Superior Court Judge Michael L. Stern found that real estate agent Tyna Marie Robertson had defamed and intentionally inflicted emotional distress upon Flatley, 49, who appeared in "Riverdance," "Lord of the Dance," "Feet of Flames" and "Celtic Tiger."

Robertson had alleged Flatley raped her in a Las Vegas hotel in 2002 and threatened to sue unless he agreed to pay a "seven figures" settlement, according to court papers.

Police declined to press criminal charges, and Flatley said the sex was consensual.

Robertson then filed a $33 million lawsuit in Illinois alleging sexual assault, but it was dismissed.

Flatley countered with a lawsuit against Robertson and her lawyer D. Dean Mauro claiming extortion, intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation.

The California Supreme Court held in July 2006 that Mauro had committed extortion, and he settled the case by making "a substantial payment" to Flatley, according to a statement from the dancer's lawyer, Ricardo P. Cestero.

The judgment order against Robertson formalized a ruling made by Stern during a hearing this month.

Flatley plans to donate any recovery on the settlement to charity, Cestero said.

Telephone numbers for Robertson and Mauro were not listed.

Robertson is the ex-girlfriend of Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, and the two have battled in court themselves over their young son, Kennedy.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iUTz2pn1a7ET9v30YQ_IPsd6gQXAD8TJSHBG1

Chakvetadze tied up and robbed

Moscow, Russia (Sports Network) - Russian star tennis player Anna Chakvetadze was robbed at her cottage early Tuesday morning.

According to several Russian news sources, including Kommersant Moscow, Chakvetadze and her parents were tied up by the criminals and valuables worth five million rubles (nearly $202,000 USD) were taken.

Kommersant reports Chakvetadze's cottage is located close to Moscow's Aprelevka region. Russia's daily online paper reports detectives said four unidentified persons committed the crime around 4:00 a.m.

The 20-year-old Chakvetadze helped Russia win the Fed Cup this year. She also won four titles this year on the WTA Tour.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/scorecard/othernews.asp?articleID=220116

Survivor: China Winner Announced

Something unusual happened tonight. A winner was crowned that lied to everyone, and didn’t hide the fact that he lied.

I am talking about Todd. Now, in a game where you have to lie to get anywhere, everyone knew Todd was a liar. When you get down to the finals, the Survivor Jury usually awards the money to the least despicable person. However, tonight, maybe the most despicable person to play the game since Richard Hatch won the grand prize.

Courtney & Amanda were sitting next to Todd in the final 3 tonight, and awaiting the jury vote for the winner. Amanda came off apologetic, making the Jury question “why?”, and Courtney gained some ground with her “underdog makes it to the end” story. However, it was Todd, who openly admits to being better than everyone else, that the Jury gave the money too.

I say that is unusual, because usually at this point, the jury wants to give the money to the most likeable person in the finals. However, had Denise made it to the final 3, the Jury probably would have awarded the money to her, since she was the most likeable. Maybe it was because Courtney & Amanda were really despicable, and Todd deserved the money, but Todd had a hand in every single jury member being voted out. Lucky for him, they respected that.

Todd will receive his check tomorrow morning on the early show. And check out RFFRadio tomorrow night for our interview with Todd. Go to rffradio.com/live to learn how to listen tomorrow! And go to the RFF Message Boards, to discuss the Survivor: China finale!

http://www.realityfanforum.com

Singer Dan Fogelberg, 56, Dies of Cancer

Dan Fogelberg, the singer and songwriter whose hits "Leader of the Band" and "Same Old Lang Syne" helped define the soft-rock era, died Sunday at his home in Maine after battling prostate cancer. He was 56.

His death was announced in a statement released by his family through the firm Scoop Marketing, and it was also posted on the singer's Web site.

"Dan left us this morning at 6:00 a.m. He fought a brave battle with cancer and died peacefully at home in Maine with his wife Jean at his side," it read. "His strength, dignity and grace in the face of the daunting challenges of this disease were an inspiration to all who knew him."

Fogelberg discovered he had advanced prostate cancer in 2004. In a statement then, he thanked fans for their support.

"It is truly overwhelming and humbling to realize how many lives my music has touched so deeply all these years," he said.

Fogelberg's music was in the vein of fellow sensitive singer-songwriters James Taylor and Jackson Browne, and was powerful in its simplicity.

He didn't rely on the volume of his voice to convey his emotions; instead, they came through in the soft, tender delivery and his poignant lyrics. Songs like "Same Old Lang Syne" _ in which a man reminisces after meeting an old girlfriend by chance during the holidays _ became classics not only because of his performance, but for the engaging story line, as well.

Fogelberg's heyday was in the 1970s and early 80s, when he scored several platinum and multiplatinum records, fueled by such hits as "The Power of Gold" and "Leader of the Band," a touching tribute he wrote to his father, a bandleader. Fogelberg put out his first album in 1972.

Among his more popular albums were "Nether Lands," which included the song "Dancing Shoes," and "Phoenix," which had one of his biggest hits, "Longer," a song about enduring love.

Fogelberg's songs tended to have a weighty tone, reflecting on emotional issues in a serious way. But in an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 1997, he said it did not represent his personality.

"That came from my singles in the early '80s," he reflects. "I think it probably really started on the radio. I'm not a dour person in the least. I'm actually kind of a happy person. Music doesn't really reflect the whole person.

"One of my dearest friends is Jimmy Buffett. From his music, people have this perception that he's up all the time, and, of course, he's not. Jimmy has a serious side, too."

Later in his career, he wrote material that focused on the state of the environment, an issue close to his heart. His last album was 2003's "Full Circle," his first album of original material in a decade.

A year later he would receive his cancer diagnosis, forcing him to forgo a planned fall tour. After his diagnosis, he urged others to get tested.

Survivors include his wife, Jean.